Carys Thomas Clothes Encounter
First published 27th November 2005 in the Wales on Sunday| supplement 'Lifeshopping'
Carys Thomas, 24 from Neath, Sales manager for 3663 and part-time model, from Neath.
What are you wearing today?
Oh no! I have my works clothes on. My black trousers were only about £6 from a sale in Tesco and I have a white shirt on from another sale, this time in Warehouse. I think it cost about £10. And I also have another green coat on from Next, which I also think was from a sale!
So are you a bargain shopper then?
Well, I do look for bargains when it comes to work clothing because I spend a lot of my time running about and I don't want to spend a lot on clothes that could get ruined. But of course I still like to look smart. When it comes to going out clothes. I spend a lot more.
Where do you like to shop?
For going out clothes I tend to go to Pussy Galore in Cardiff or Canesta in Neath. They're both quite unusual boutiques but as they're quite expensive I'd shop there for special occassions. Otherwise I like Warehouse, Morgan and Kookai.
How often do you shop?
I usually go around once a week maybe even once a fortnight now. I've calmed down quite a lot. It depends. If there's a really hot new fashion trend that everyone is wearing then I'll go out and find one, like waistcoats, but only if it suits me. There was something out recently. I forget what and I knew it wouldn't suit me so I didn't bother.
And how much do you think you spend?
Probably between £200 and £300. I love shopping. I think it's a good mood lifter, especially if you're with the girls. As you get older you get less opportunity to go shopping as a group and it's so much fun!
Who is your style icon?
Jennifer Lopez always looks fantastic. She's glamourous and always knows what suits her. And I think Victoria Beckham for casual wear - she always looks really smart.
What about your hair and products?
It's naturally curly and it drives me mad! I go to Lara Johnson's salons in either Swansea or the Mumbles - whichever has a slot free. I use lots of products to calm the natural curl. There are really tight ringlet curls underneath so no matter how hard I try to straighten them, they still curl!
And make-up?
I'd not go out without it - never in a million years! I've got to have foundation, eyeliner and mascara - and lipbalm now because of the weather. I use Estee Lauder and Yves Sain Laurent products because their stuff is lovely and Estee Lauder's Double Wear foundation is excellent. It gives really good coverage but it looks subtle. Fantastic stuff!